Episode 2822 - Lesson 3 - Thursday July 16 - A Lifestyle that reflects the Cross

A Lifestyle That Reflects the CrossThe fact that we should not form cliques, especially around human leaders, does not mean we should not support our leaders. We are supposed to appreciate and help those who lead out in church work. God commissions people to do His ministry on earth. Church leaders who display a lifestyle that reflects the submissions represented by the Cross are worthy of being heard and followed.And this is so because only the Cross has the power to reverse any manipulative form of control in favor of submission to God's Word. Christlike leaders attribute the success of their ministry to God alone. In His earthly ministry, even Jesus as a human assigned glory to God (John 17:4).According to Paul, faithful Christian ministry must be grounded upon what we can call a theology of the Cross. The Cross is God's revelation of His wisdom and power to save. At the same time, it also displays human wisdom as foolishness. In 1 Corinthians 4:1-13, Paul makes it clear what such a theology of the Cross looks like. First, he indicates that it is God who sets the standard for Christian leadership (1 Cor. 4:1-5). Second, he points to the fact that suffering is the trademark of true Christian ministry (1 Cor. 4:9, 11-13). This second point deserves to be further developed.Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 and Colossians 1:24. What does this teach us about what it means to suffer for Christ's sake?Christian leaders follow the footprints of Jesus by being willing to suffer for their fellow brothers and sisters, and even if need be die for the sake of their ministry. Paul refers to himself and Apollos as "men condemned to death" (1 Cor. 4:9, NKJV). They are portrayed as facing a lack of food and water, as well as being "poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless" (1 Cor. 4:11, NKJV). In addition, they were also reviled, persecuted, defamed, and "made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now" (1 Cor. 4:12-13, NKJV). Furthermore, by referring ironically to the Corinthians as rich, kings, wise, and distinguished (1 Cor. 4:8, 10), Paul demonstrates that pride must have no place in true Christian leadership, for it is the root of division in the church (1 Cor. 4:6).How much have you suffered for Christ's sake, whatever your role in the church? What lessons might be found in your answer?